Top Online History PhDs: Shape the Future by Studying the Past
Learn how diving into the past while earning an online history PhD can be a jumping-off point to an exciting career — and a gateway to history without leaving home.
Earning your Doctor oIf you’re a budding historian, you may be wondering how to build a career from your love of the past — and how grad school can be a pathway to that dream.As it happens, an online PhD in history is more than just a way to reach intellectual fulfillment.
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting demand for historians and archivists at a faster than average growth rate, history PhD programs online can be a gateway to a high-demand career. However, not all programs are the same, and there are many different factors to consider in choosing one — so let’s take a look at what might be best for you.
Online History PhD Program Spotlights
The best online PhD in history for you will depend on a lot of things, including what period in which you hope to specialize and your financial situation. It’s good to know about some standout programs to start your research, so take a look at these three history PhD programs online, which blend academic quality, flexibility, and student support.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Arizona State University is the flagship state school of Arizona, and offers history PhD programs online and in person, with the online option offered through its ASU Online distance learning program. If you enroll in this program through ASU’s School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, you’ll be able to choose a specialization in North American, European, global, or public history.
The program is completed through 84 credits, and you will have some flexibility around your course schedule and, eventually, your independent research. Applicants should apply online and need to provide a personal statement and application materials. You also must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the final 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree.
Cornell University
Cornell University, a member of the prestigious Ivy League, has a highly competitive history program. This includes its PhD program, which features a flexible residency-hybrid option. While you will need to complete six semesters total on its campus in the beautiful mountains of upstate New York, the rest of your program can be completed wherever you like. This program takes a global approach to history and includes a requirement to demonstrate proficiency in at least one language other than English before graduating.
Candidates for a PhD will need to complete at least one semester of teaching, which will be used to help fund your studies. Prospective students should submit a writing sample and three letters of recommendation along with application forms and transcripts.
George Mason University (GMU)
For students looking for a specialized experience, you can pursue this partially-online hybrid PhD in history with an emphasis in digital humanities at Virginia’s George Mason University. Within the program, you’ll be able to choose a major area of focus in American, European, or world history, as well as a minor in a more specific area such as political, military, cultural, or religious history. You will also learn data analysis and software development for specific use in history careers.
To apply, you will need to meet the graduate school’s requirements, as well as submit a writing sample and three letters of recommendation. The GRE is optional, but you will need to write a statement of goals with your historical interests outlined.
Online History PhD Timeline
It can be tough planning out a PhD schedule. Your online PhD in history can take anywhere from three years of intensive full-time study to six-plus years between coursework and your dissertation. This is especially true if you’re studying in a part-time program. However, we wanted to give you a rough idea below of a typical timeline in many online PhD programs in history, including what the different stages will contain.
Year One
In your first year, you’ll be taking foundational coursework including your core requirements. In a history program, these will likely include fundamentals of US, European, and world history courses, as well as research methodology courses and some electives. You’ll also be encouraged to start considering your specialty and potential dissertation topic.
Year Two
The second year is traditionally your final year of coursework. This will include any remaining core courses and also some electives. You will also begin working on your dissertation proposal and studying for any exams your program requires you to take before advancing to candidacy.
Year Three
Depending on your program, you may have taken your candidacy exams in your second or third year. You will also need to present your dissertation proposal and a writing sample to a committee to advance to candidacy. Becoming a doctoral candidate may also mean that you will be awarded a master’s degree before you begin work on your dissertation.
Year Four
In year four, it’s time to hit the archives. As a doctoral candidate, you’ll be researching for your dissertation, which may include trips to archives and conducting interviews. One of the hallmarks of a publishable doctoral dissertation is that you’ll be working chiefly with primary materials and seeking out necessary resources.
Year Five
By year five, in a traditional program you will be known as an ABD, or All But Dissertation student. This is when you’ll be working alongside your advisor to draft your dissertation. This will be the cornerstone of your doctorate and may be your first published work as a historian.
Year Six
This is likely to be the final year of your online PhD in history. At this point, you’ll be finishing your dissertation and writing up the full results of your research. Once you’re done, it’s time to defend your dissertation in front of an academic committee — this may be on a video link for online PhD programs in history. Once you’ve passed this . . . congratulations, Doctor!
Specializations in History: Your When, Where, and Why
Doctoral studies are highly specialized and finish off with an intensely detailed dissertation on a focused topic. Before you reach that point, though, here is a preview of some popular specialization areas for you to use as electives and to inspire your dissertation proposal:
- American History: This is one of the most popular study areas for history PhDs and can include anything from pre-colonial Native American history to studies of the Cold War or the Civil Rights Movement.
- Ancient History: Ancient history spans the distant past from around the world. This can be anything from classical Greece and Rome to ancient China to Mesopotamia.
- Military History: For those fascinated by war and its impact on society, military history is a popular field of study that includes wars through the ages, military technology development, and war’s impact on the world.
- History of Religion: Religion has been one of the most important parts of many people’s lives for thousands of years. Studying how different faiths have grown and changed, and impacted their adherents, is a fruitful and popular field.
- Modern History: In history, “modern” stretches a long period of time — anything from the 1500s to the present day. Studies such as the Renaissance and the World Wars fall into this area of focus.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in History
As with any advanced degree, it’s vital that your online PhD in history be accredited. Recognition from a third-party accrediting body gives your university the power to award degrees that will be viewed as legitimate in the wider world. Accreditation is regional, and which accrediting body your school falls under will likely depend on where its campus is located.
While there are no subject-specific accreditations in history, your school’s ability to award doctorates such as an accredited online PhD in history is one of the most important things to check for when you apply on the school’s website.
Common Areas of Online History PhD Programs
Regardless of your timeline or specialty, there are specific elements shared by online history PhD programs, hybrid degrees, and in-person programs. Here are the key parts to expect as you earn your degree.
Coursework
You’ll start your PhD program with coursework. This requirement will typically take about two years of full-time study to complete and will include both required courses and electives. You can expect a mix of advanced history classes and classes meant to develop your research and writing skills.
Preliminary Research/Thesis Proposal
Preparing for your thesis is an aspect of your PhD in and of itself. You’ll need to conduct preliminary research in order to formulate a thesis topic and write a proposal for your dissertation. You’ll also need to have your dissertation proposal approved before you can become a candidate and start your project.
Teaching Experience
Many PhDs will give you the opportunity to teach undergraduates, and this may be a condition of receiving funding for some programs. You’ll likely be leading small groups of students, whether online or in person, as a complement to a larger lecture course given by a professor.
Dissertation/Research
The final aspect of your PhD will be your dissertation. This is an extensive research project, which will require you to conduct original research using primary sources and then write up your findings in a document that is usually several hundred pages. Defending your dissertation will be your very last step before being awarded a PhD.
What You’ll Learn in an Online History Graduate Program
During the coursework portion of your PhD, you’ll have the opportunity to create a course schedule based on your interests and requirements. Here are some courses you’re likely to encounter.
Historiography
Historiography can be described as “the history of studying history.” This is a course where you’ll learn historical theory, including different ways of analyzing the same period or event from different historical lenses. You’ll also learn how the field of historical research and academic history has developed, including cutting-edge concepts you can use in your own work.
Public History Methodology
Public history is different from academic history — public history is geared for a general audience and isn’t strictly intended for colleges and universities. In this course, you’ll learn the foundations of public history and where they can be utilized, from popular nonfiction writing to work in museums and libraries.
Research Methods
The odds are good that you’ll need to take this class before beginning your dissertation. An especially valuable course if you haven’t completed a master’s degree in history, this class will teach you how to conduct original historical research, including how to use archives and interview sources.
Data Analysis for History
While history is a discipline in the humanities, this course will show you how to use STEM skills in your research. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Different types of data, from price and earnings records to population surveys, can be crucial for historical research, and in this course you’ll learn how to utilize them.
Foreign Language
Many history PhD programs will require that you demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language in order to graduate. Which language you choose will be up to you, but there may be an obvious choice within your research interests that will enable you to read primary sources as they were originally written.
Tuition and Financial Aid for History PhD Programs
A PhD can be a significant commitment in time as well as finances. It’s important to understand how much your degree will cost, and to have a plan to pay for it, before you enroll. Many universities offer full or partial funding for PhD students through grants, fellowships, and research assistantships. Even if your school doesn’t have those three options, be sure to look into its financial aid programs and private scholarships. Below are some potential price tags for different online PhD programs in history.
What Your Online History Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University (ASU) | PhD in History | 84 | $50,248-$105,984 |
| Cornell University | History PhD | Varies | $104,000 |
| George Mason University (GMU) | PhD in History | 72 | $56,808-$116,640 |
Careers for History PhD Graduates
It’s natural to wonder where your career will go after completing your PhD. Graduates of doctoral programs in history are in demand in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and museums and heritage. Here are just a few career options you might consider with your degree:
| Job Title | Median Pay | 90th Percentile Pay | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historian | $72,890 | $124,720 | 6% |
| Archivist | $57,120 | $100,510 | 11% |
| Professor | $84,380 | $182,710 | 8% |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 | $106,380 | -1% |
| Museum Curator | $57,120 | $100,510 | 11% |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2024
FAQs About Online History PhD Programs
What are some of the benefits of earning my PhD online?
Studying for your history PhD online is not only convenient but also can save you money, as you’ll be spared the hassle of moving or commuting to campus. An online PhD can be highly flexible, so if you want to work while you study, or prefer a part-time program that fits in your professional schedule, both of these are entirely doable. In addition, you’ll save the costs of relocating to campus and can more easily balance your studies with personal or family responsibilities.
Are online History PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
The affordability of any given PhD program in history will vary significantly, whether online or in-person, based on a few different factors. Online doctoral programs are often more affordable than in-person doctorates, due in part to the lack of relocation costs. But, factors like fellowships and scholarships can heavily impact the cost of any history PhD and can vary significantly from year- to-year and student-to-student.
How long does it take to earn a History PhD degree online?
PhDs are generally the longest degree to earn. They are the most advanced degree available in history, and that’s reflected in the requirements, including producing a piece of original research. However, timelines can vary, and some accelerated online history PhDs can take as little as one to three years to complete. Still, there are others that can take six years or more, especially if you’re studying part-time or have an especially ambitious dissertation to research.
What are some common admission requirements for online History PhD programs?
While the admission requirements will vary from school to school, many will want you to have an accredited master’s degree, and all will want you to have an accredited undergraduate degree. Beyond that, requirements are likely to include a personal statement, a writing sample, official transcripts and a resume, and one to three letters of recommendation. GRE scores may also be required, although many programs treat those as optional.
What are some common fields you can study alongside your online history PhD core courses?
In addition to your core courses, your online PhD in history will likely feature the opportunity to choose electives. Many of these may be more specialized history courses, but it is also common in some programs to be able to take courses in sociology, psychology, foreign languages, or digital humanities. You may also be able to audit courses that are relevant to your degree, even if they’re not part of your program.
Resources for Online History PhD Students
- American Historical Association
The largest and best-known professional organization for historians in the United States, the American Historical Association, or AHA, puts out published research and holds academic conferences. - Organization of American Historians
Dating back more than 100 years to its founding in 1907, the Organization of American Historians, or OAH, is a professional organization for those who study and teach American history. - National Council on Public History
For over 40 years, the National Council on Public History, or NCPH, has served as a diverse professional organization for academics, heritage professionals, and others interested in public history. - World History Association
Founded in 1982, the World History Association, or WHA, is an academic organization that encourages the teaching and study of world history at all levels of academia and education. - American Association for State and Local History
A nonprofit, the American Association for State and Local History, or AASLH, is a membership organization which sponsors conferences, professional development, and more.